My Honest Review: 40 Gigs with the Tama Lightweight Hardware Kit
If you're a working drummer, you know the drill. The traveling, the late nights, and the worst part: the back-breaking load-in. Through kitchens, up and down stairs, in and out of tight spaces... it’s a grind. My old hardware bag was a cumbersome, heavy beast—a gym membership I never asked for and a future chiropractor bill all in one.
So, when I found out I could potentially get my entire hardware setup down to a ridiculous eight kilograms, I had to give it a go.
I picked up the Tama Classic Hardware (HC4FB) kit. But I had the same question everyone has: is it just for light-hitters and vintage show-offs, or is it actually strong enough for a real working drummer?
After using it for the last three months, covering 40 shows, I have a definitive answer.
What's in the Bag?
The set comes with the essentials:
Two straight cymbal stands
One hi-hat stand
One snare stand
A surprisingly comfortable carrier bag
Everything fits inside the bag with room to spare. I can easily throw in my floor tom legs, a clamp-on tom holder, and even a small extra cymbal stand. It's compact, and that flat-base design isn't just for looks—it saves a ton of room on a crowded stage.
The 40-Gig Test: Stability & Durability
This is the most important question, so let's get right to it.
Stability: When I first set the stands up, I noticed a slight wobble if I pushed them. I was worried. But here's the truth: in three months of playing, I have never noticed that wobble in use. While playing, the entire kit is solid. The hi-hat pedal has a quick action, and I've had zero complaints.
Durability: My biggest concern was the tilter on the cymbal stands. They use small teeth, and I was, to say the least, dubious. I was sure they'd strip or fail. They haven't. Not once. They’ve been as solid as a rock. All the tightening parts have held their ground, and nothing has come loose during a show.
The Sacrifices: What You Trade for 8KG
This kit isn't perfect, and that 8kg weight comes with a few trade-offs.
Limited Range: These are not for the drummer who needs infinite adjustability. The snare stand gives you a decent tilt, but it's not a ball-swivel. The hi-hat pedal, while solid, does not have a swivel base for easy double-pedal positioning.
Straight Stands Only: These are straight cymbal stands, not booms. You need to position them a bit more thoughtfully, but for the stages I'm playing, it hasn't been an issue.
These are sacrifices, but for me, they are tiny compromises for the sheer benefit of a lightweight bag.
My Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
This Hareware set costs just over 300 bucks. For some, that's a lot for hardware; for others, it's a bargain.
Keep in mind, you still have to carry your kick pedal and your throne separately. But for me, it's an absolute no-brainer. The bag is small enough to be a space-saver in any car, and the 8kg weight has genuinely made the load-out at 2 AM somuch more bearable. Plus, I love the vintage look it gives my kit.
If you are a working drummer and your hardware is, pardon the pun, weighing you down, I can honestly give this kit two thumbs up. It’s been with me every step of the way for 40 shows, and my back has never been happier.
Ready to ditch the weight?
I've been recommending this set to every drummer I meet. If you want to check the current price or pick one up for yourself, you can find the set I use right here:
Buy the Tama Classic Hardware Kit at Thomann
That's it from me. Let me know in the comments what your hardware setup is, or if you have any questions about the Tama kit.
Take it easy, Brendan
